Liz and Matt’s South African Honeymoon

Leopard at Londolozi / Courtesy of Londolozi

July/August 2025

The hotels listed are for example purposes, but rates and availability are not guaranteed. Once we have a better idea of what you like, I can get the final pricing and include all your transfers between stops. Safari prices are all inclusive of food and activities.

South Africa, Part 1: Cape Town & Winelands

View of Franschhoek and La Cle Vineyards / Courtesy of Classic Portfolio

Start your trip in Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities. United offers direct flights from Newark (EWR) on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday so you can get there without too much trouble. Spend the first day relaxing and dining in Cape Town, followed by a coastal hike the next day. For the Winelands portion of your trip, you can either stay in Cape Town and take a day trip or spend a few nights there. There are also options to stay along the coast and go whale watching if you’re visiting in August.

Recommended Hotels (Price for 2 nights):

  • Gorgeous George: $313
    • A stylish and affordable hotel option that is centrally located in Cape Town
  • Victoria and Alfred Hotel: $797
    • A stylish hotel on the Cape Town waterfront.
  • Boschendal Cottages: $382
    • Certain room categories here are a great value at this vineyard hotel.
  • La Cle: $1,249
    • A unique luxury hotel in the Winelands

South Africa, Part 2: Safari

Simbavati River Lodge Lion at Kwandwe Ecca Lodge / Courtesy of Kwandwe luxury South Africa safari

From Cape Town, take a short flight to your safari in either the Greater Kruger or Eastern Cape areas. Kruger is the most renowned and will have more leopards, but the Eastern Cape can be a good value for the money. I only suggest private game reserves to avoid the crowds.

Safari Options (Price for 4 nights):

  • Simbavati Hilltop: $6,918
    • This is a great value location option in the Timbavati Reserve near Kruger National Park. It has a plunge pool and a large room. The camp has only six rooms, so it’s very private.
  • Simbavati River Tented Pool Suite: $4,570
    • This is near the Hilltop Lodge. The room is tiny, but it has a small plunge pool and outdoor shower. It’s a great value.
  • Dulini River: $9,950
    • This is one of my favorite honeymoon camps in the private Sabi Sands reserve near Kruger National Park. It offers top-notch style, small camps, and great game drives. Sabi Sands costs a bit more because of it’s reputation as the premier reserve, but this is a good value for the money.
  • Tanda Tula: $9,849
    • This camp has been recently refurbished with a more contemporary design. Great location in Timbavati Reserve near Kruger.
  • Kwandwe: $5,202
    • This option is closer to Cape Town in the Eastern Cape near Gqberha (Port Elizabeth). There is good wildlife, with fewer leopards but more rhinos than Kruger. This area is also malaria-free and quite a bit cooler. You get a more luxurious room for the price here.

Sample Cape to Kruger Itinerary

I booked this 10-night itinerary for a honeymoon couple looking for almost the same thing as you a few months ago. I’m including it here because I can get you a ballpark price. You would need to travel in August for the best whale watching.

Prices may have changed, but to give you an idea, this itinerary was $10,800.

Day 1-2: Cape Town

Arrive at Cape Town International Airport and transfer to your hotel, Gorgeous George (2 Nights)—restaurant reservations in Cape Town for your second day.

Day 3-4: Cape Whale Coast

Take a car down the coast to your hotel, Coot Club (2 nights). On your second day on the coast, take a Southern Right Charters Whale-watching Boat Cruise.

Day 5: Winelands

Transfer to the Cape Winelands and La Fontaine Boutique Hotel (1 night). Spend the afternoon wine tasting.

Day 6-10: Safari

Take a morning flight to Hoedspruit, and upon arrival, you will be transferred to your safari lodge, Simbavati Hilltop Lodge (5 nights).

Day 11: Departure